JP2012089022A - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to more appropriately generate an image of document data related to an output result while improving user convenience.
Attribute information indicating an attribute of an image forming apparatus associated with document data is analyzed to determine whether attribute information of an attribute not corresponding to the image forming apparatus is included, and the image If it is determined that attribute information of an attribute that does not correspond to the forming apparatus is not included, the default attribute information stored in the storage device used for image generation in the image forming apparatus is associated with the document data. If the attribute information of the attribute that is not compatible with the image forming apparatus is determined to be included, the default attribute information is not updated and the attribute information stored in the storage device is used. The problem is solved by generating an image of document data.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program.

  A technique for determining whether print attribute information can be processed by a printing apparatus when printing document data to which print attribute information can be added, displaying information regarding unprocessable print attribute information, and presenting alternative means to the user Is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). There is also known a technique in which a print mode that ignores all print attribute information assigned to document data is provided and the user selects a print mode.

JP 2010-61652 A

In the conventional technology, the user needs to check the print attribute information given to the document data every time the document data is printed, and take measures such as changing the printing mode of the printing apparatus. There is a problem that becomes low.
Further, in document data in a format in which the print attribute information given to the document data can be easily separated, when the document data is displayed on the host computer, the print attribute information is often ignored. . For this reason, when the printing process is performed by a printing apparatus that can process a part of the print attribute information given to the document data, there is a problem that the output result expected by the user is different from the actual output result.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to more appropriately generate an image of document data related to an output result while improving user convenience.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention analyzes attribute information indicating the attribute of the image forming apparatus associated with the document data, and whether or not attribute information of an attribute not corresponding to the image forming apparatus is included. If it is determined that attribute information of an attribute that does not correspond to the image forming apparatus is included, the information is stored in a storage device used for generating an image in the image forming apparatus. The default attribute information is updated with the attribute information associated with the document data, and it is determined that the attribute information of the attribute not corresponding to the image forming apparatus is included, the default attribute information is An update unit that does not update, and a generation unit that generates an image of the document data in accordance with attribute information stored in the storage device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the image of the document data regarding an output result can be produced | generated more appropriately, improving a user's convenience.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart which concerns on operation | movement of a printing system. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a print job. It is a figure which shows an example of a web page. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for selecting a default operation mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart which concerns on a document analysis processing program. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the table | surface used for calculation of the number of output sheets, and the result of calculation. It is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart which concerns on a part of document analysis processing program. It is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart which concerns on a part of document analysis processing program. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart according to a print processing program.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments do not limit the present invention, and all the configurations described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. The printing system includes a host computer 100 and a printing apparatus 120. The host computer 100 and the printing apparatus 120 are communicably connected via a LAN line 110.
The host computer 100 is an example of a computer. As the host computer 100, a computer having a CPU, a display, a keyboard, a mouse, an HDD, a memory, an interface for network communication, and the like can be employed. The functions and processing in the host computer 100 are realized by the CPU performing processing according to the procedure of the program stored in the HDD or the like.
The host computer 100 includes an application unit 101, a print attribute assignment unit 102, and a print job transmission unit 103. The application unit 101 creates document data. More specifically, the application unit 101 is realized by a so-called word processor or the like, and creates document data in response to an operation of a keyboard (mouse) by a user (user). The document data created via the application unit 101 is data having document information itself and general layout information. Further, general layout information includes information on the size of each page in addition to the position information of the drawing object included in each page.

The print attribute assigning unit 102 assigns (associates) print attribute information indicating the setting (print attribute) related to printing in the printing apparatus 120 to the document data. More specifically, the print attribute assigning unit 102 assigns various print attribute setting values, which are input via a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, necessary for a printing operation, to the document data as print attribute information.
Here, the print attributes include a setting for specifying a sheet as an example of a recording medium used for output (output sheet setting), a setting for adjusting a layout for the sheet (layout setting), and the like. As layout settings, settings for specifying the position where the document data is placed on the paper, settings for specifying enlargement / reduction when the document data and the paper size are different, and settings for specifying page aggregation (N-up) and so on.
The print attributes can include function settings specific to the printing apparatus 120. Here, the settings of functions specific to the printing device include settings for specifying the paper binding position (staple setting), settings for specifying the hole punching position (punch setting), and printing on both sides of the paper. For example, a setting (double-sided setting) for specifying whether to perform or the like.

The print job transmission unit 103 instructs the printing apparatus 120 to perform printing. More specifically, the print job transmission unit 103 selects document data instructing printing in response to a user operation such as a keyboard and a mouse, and transfers the selected document data to a printing apparatus desired by the user. .
Here, a configuration in which the print job transmission unit 103 has the function of the print attribute assignment unit 102 may be employed. In this case, the print attribute setting value (print attribute information) received by the print job transmission unit 103 is not attached to the document data, but is handled separately from the document data as the attribute information of the print job. . The print job transmission unit 103 can transmit the document data before the print attribute information is added by the print attribute adding unit 102 and the document data after the print attribute information is added to the printing apparatus 120.
The print job transmission unit 103 is realized by an lpr (Line Printer daemon protocol) command, a (interactive) Web page that communicates bidirectionally with the printing apparatus 120 displayed on the host computer 100, and the like.

The printing apparatus 120 is an example of an image forming apparatus (computer). As the printing apparatus 120, an image forming apparatus (printer, multifunction machine, etc.) having a CPU, an operation panel, operation buttons, a memory, an HDD, a printing interface, a communication interface, and the like can be employed. Note that functions and processing in the printing apparatus 120 are realized by the CPU performing processing according to the procedure of the program stored in the storage device (memory, HDD, etc.).
The printing apparatus 120 includes a user interface unit 121, a storage unit 122, a print job reception unit 123, a job analysis unit 124, a document analysis unit 125, an attribute determination unit 126, an operation mode determination unit 127, and a printing unit 128. The user interface unit 121 sets various parameters (setting values and the like). The storage unit 122 stores various parameters, various analysis results, various parameters unique to the printing apparatus 120, and the like in the storage device.

The print job receiving unit 123 receives a print job transmitted from the host computer 100. The job analysis unit 124 analyzes the received print job (job). The document analysis unit 125 analyzes document data (instructed by the job) included in the print job.
The attribute determination unit 126 can process the print attribute information included in the document data by the printing apparatus 120 based on the print attribute information given to the document data of the print job and various parameters stored in the storage unit 122. It is determined whether or not. The operation mode determination unit 127 determines an operation mode to be described later. The printing unit 128 performs document data printing processing based on the analysis result of the document analysis unit 125 and the like.

Next, the operation of the printing system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart relating to the operation of the printing system.
First, the application unit 101 generates (forms) document data in response to a user operation (user instruction) such as a keyboard and a mouse (S201). Subsequently, the print attribute assigning unit 102 assigns print attribute information to the document data input based on the user instruction (S202). Subsequently, the print job transmission unit 103 transmits (transmits) the print job according to the content set based on the user instruction, triggered by the user instruction to start printing (S203). In the present embodiment, a case where the print job transmission unit 103 transmits a print job to the printing apparatus 120 via the LAN line 110 will be described as an example. Note that the print job transmitted by the print job transmitting unit 103 is received by the print job receiving unit 123 of the printing apparatus 120.

Subsequently, the job analysis unit 124 analyzes the print job received by the print job reception unit 123 (S204). The print attribute information included in the print job is stored in the storage device by the storage unit 122.
Subsequently, the document analysis unit 125 analyzes the document data included in the print job based on the analysis result of the job analysis unit 124 (S205). The document analysis unit 125 analyzes document data in cooperation with the operation mode determination unit 127 and the attribute determination unit 126. At this time, the document analysis unit 125 also updates initial setting information (print setting information), which is stored in the storage device via the storage unit 122 and used for print settings in the printing apparatus 120. Details of the processing of S205 will be described with reference to FIG.
Subsequently, the printing unit 128 performs a printing process based on the analysis result by the document analysis unit 125 and various parameters stored in the storage device (S206).

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job (print job 300). The print job 300 basically includes a job control unit 310, an attribute unit 311, and a document unit 312. However, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the print job 300 may be configured without the attribute unit 311.
The job control unit 310 includes setting information related to job control set by the print job transmission unit 103. The attribute part 311 includes print attribute information given by the print attribute assigning part 102. The document unit 312 includes document data generated by the application unit 101.
Note that the print job transmission unit 103 can also transmit document data to which the print attribute information is not assigned by the print attribute assignment unit 102. In this case, the print job is as shown in FIG. It becomes a structure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interactive Web page (Web page 400) that constitutes the print job transmission unit 103. The web page 400 is generated by the user interface unit 121, provided to the host computer 100, and displayed on the web browser of the host computer 100.
The web page 400 includes a text box 410 for inputting document data for instructing printing, and a button 411 for displaying a dialog box for selecting document data stored in the host computer 100. In the text box 410, in addition to the document data of the host computer 100, the location (position) of document data stored in another computer connected via the Internet, LAN, etc., document data stored in the printing apparatus 120, etc. Can be entered.
The radio button 420 accepts selection of the operation mode of the document analysis unit 125. The operation mode will be described later. The check box 430 receives an input of a print attribute setting value. Note that the setting value of the checked item (print attribute) is included in the attribute unit 311 as print attribute information. The print start button 440 receives an instruction to start printing, and when the print start button 440 is pressed, the print job transmission unit 103 prints the print job based on the setting values (various parameters) specified on the Web page 400. And transmission to the printing apparatus 120 is started.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example (operation mode setting screen 500) for selecting a default operation mode of the document analysis unit 125 displayed on the operation panel provided in the printing apparatus 120. The operation mode will be described later. A setting value set via the operation mode setting screen 500, that is, in response to an operation (user operation) by a user of the operation panel which is an example of the input device is stored in the storage device. The operation mode setting screen 500 is displayed by the user interface unit 121.
Further, the user interface unit 121 displays a screen (default setting screen) for setting default setting values (default values) of various printing attributes on the operation panel of the printing apparatus 120. The setting value set via the default setting screen is stored in the storage device as a default value by the storage unit 122. In this embodiment, the setting value set via the default setting screen is used as the initial value of the print setting information, and the print setting information is updated with the print attribute information of the print job as necessary. Print setting information is managed. Details will be described with reference to FIG.

The setting value specified via the radio button 420 and the operation mode setting screen 500 is a value for selecting the operation mode of the document analysis unit 125. The operation mode defines a method for handling print attribute information when print attribute information is given to the document data to be processed.
More specifically, “validate the print ticket setting” means that the print attribute information given to the document data is analyzed, and the attributes that can be processed by the printing apparatus 120 are the print attributes given to the document data. In this mode, analysis is performed based on information (specified setting values). Hereinafter, the operation mode “validate the print ticket setting” is referred to as an operation mode “valid”.

“Ignore print ticket setting” is a mode in which print attribute information given to document data is not analyzed, and analysis is performed in accordance with setting values set in the job analysis unit 124 and the user interface unit 121. Hereinafter, the operation mode “ignore print ticket setting” is referred to as an operation mode “ignore”.
“Automatic determination” means that the print attribute information assigned to the document data is analyzed and the print attribute information assigned to the document data is ignored according to the set attribute type of the printing apparatus 120. In this mode, the analysis is automatically selected to be analyzed or not to be ignored. Hereinafter, the operation mode “automatic determination” is referred to as an operation mode “automatic determination”.

Next, the operation of the document analysis unit 125 will be mainly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart according to the document analysis processing program.
First, the operation mode determination unit 127 reads a value for identifying the operation mode in the print job stored in the storage unit 122, and determines whether the operation mode is “ignore” (S601). At this time, if the operation mode determination unit 127 determines that the operation mode is not “ignore”, the process of S602 is performed. On the other hand, when the operation mode determination unit 127 determines that the operation mode is “ignore”, the process of S606 is performed. Note that the operation mode determination unit 127 reads the value of the default operation mode when the value for identifying the operation mode of the print job is not stored in the storage device.

In step S602, the document analysis unit 125 analyzes the print attribute information given to the document data. Subsequently, the operation mode determination unit 127 determines whether the operation mode is “valid” (S603). At this time, when the operation mode determination unit 127 determines that the operation mode is not “valid”, the process of S604 is performed. On the other hand, when the operation mode determination unit 127 determines that the operation mode is “valid”, the process of S605 is performed.
In step S <b> 604, the attribute determination unit 126 determines whether all of the print attribute information given to the document data analyzed in step S <b> 602 is information that can be processed by the printing apparatus 120. At this time, if the attribute determination unit 126 determines that part or all of the print attribute information given to the document data is not information that can be processed by the printing apparatus 120, the process of S606 is performed. On the other hand, if the attribute determination unit 126 determines that all of the print attribute information added to the document data is information that can be processed by the printing apparatus 120, the process of S605 is performed.

In step S605, the document analysis unit 125 performs attribute merging. More specifically, when it is determined that all the print attribute information added to the document data in step S604 is information that can be processed by the printing apparatus 120, the document analysis unit 125 prints the print attribute information added to the document data. Overwrite the corresponding print setting information with the attribute information. If the operation mode is “valid” in step S <b> 603, the document analysis unit 125 overwrites the corresponding print setting information with only print attribute information that can be processed by the printing apparatus 120.
In step S606, the document analysis unit 125 analyzes the document data. More specifically, when it is determined in S601 that the operation mode is “ignore”, the document analysis unit 125 analyzes document data other than the print attribute according to the print setting information (initial value). In other cases, the document analysis unit 125 analyzes document data other than print attributes in accordance with the overwritten print setting information.

With the above configuration, the printing apparatus can change the handling according to the printing attribute information given to the document data. That is, since the printing apparatus can automatically change the handling of the print attribute information according to the print attribute information given to the document data, it is given to the document data for the user. The trouble of confirming the print attribute information can be saved.
When the operation mode is “automatic determination”, the document data analysis processing is performed according to the print attribute information attached to the document data, regardless of what print attribute information is attached to the document data. Therefore, the user does not have to wait for the printing process to actually start.
In addition, the printing apparatus does not analyze the print attribute information given to the document data depending on the operation mode. In this case, the document data can be analyzed at high speed.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, when the operation mode of the document analysis unit 125 is “automatic determination” and print attribute information that cannot be processed by the printing apparatus 120 is included, it is added to the document data without inquiring the user. An example in which all print attribute information is ignored and output has been described. However, depending on the set attribute, such output may not be desired.
Therefore, in the second embodiment, a printing system as shown in FIG. 7 is assumed. Below, the main structures different from 1st Embodiment are demonstrated. The host computer 100 is communicably connected to the printing apparatuses 700, 710, and 720 via the LAN line 110. The printing apparatus 700 has a function (capability) for performing “double-sided printing” and “stapling”. The printing apparatus 710 has a function of performing “double-sided printing”. The printing apparatus 720 has a function of performing “staple printing”.

In this printing system, a case is considered in which document data to which any printing attribute information of “double-sided printing”, “staple”, and both of them, “double-sided printing + staple” is added, is printed. In this case, the relationship among the set operation mode, the print attribute information (document attribute setting) given to the document data, and the printing apparatus (processable setting) is shown in FIG. It looks like the table.
Here, “A: double-sided” indicates that double-sided printing is performed, but document data is output without stapling. “B: Staple” indicates that the document data is output without being duplexed but being stapled. “C: Double-sided + staple” indicates that both double-sided printing and stapling are performed and document data is output. “Z” indicates that document data is output without duplex printing or stapling.

In the table of FIG. 8B, when the document data is data for four pages, “A: duplex”, “B: staple”, “C: duplex + staple”, and “Z” are output as results. The number of sheets to be printed (output number) is shown.
Here, with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in the printing apparatus 710 whose processable setting is duplex, the document data is converted into the document data when the operation mode is “valid” and “automatic determination”. The number of output sheets when the assigned print attribute information is “double-sided + staple” will be described. In this example, when the operation mode is “valid”, the number of output sheets is “2”, and when the operation mode is “automatic determination”, the number of output sheets is “4”. Thus, it can be seen that the number of output sheets increases when the operation mode is “automatic determination” compared to when the operation mode is “valid”.
Therefore, in the printing apparatuses 700, 710, and 720 in this embodiment, the number of output sheets in the operation mode “automatic determination” is compared with that in the operation mode “automatic determination”, and the number of output sheets in the operation mode “automatic determination” increases. If this happens, the document data printing process is canceled.

An example of a configuration for canceling printing of a print job will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart according to a part of the document analysis processing program.
First, the operation mode determination unit 127 determines an operation mode (S901). At this time, if the operation mode determination unit 127 determines that the operation mode is “automatic determination”, the process of S902 is performed. On the other hand, when the operation mode determination unit 127 determines that the operation mode is not “automatic determination”, the process of S905 is performed.
In step S902, the document analysis unit 125 calculates (calculates) the number of output sheets when the operation mode is “automatic determination” and the document data is analyzed. Further, the document analysis unit 125 calculates the number of output sheets when the operation mode is “valid” and the document data is analyzed.

Subsequently, the document analysis unit 125 compares the output numbers calculated in S902 (S903). At this time, if the output number when the operation mode is “automatic determination” and the document data is analyzed is larger than the output number when the operation mode is “valid” and the document data is analyzed, the document analysis unit 125 performs S904. Perform the process. On the other hand, the document analysis unit 125 determines that the number of output sheets when the document data is analyzed with the operation mode “automatic determination” is less than or equal to the number of output sheets when the operation mode is “valid” and the document data is analyzed. In this case, the process of S905 is performed.
In step S904, the document analysis unit 125 interrupts the document analysis process for the print job, and cancels the document data print process (cancels the job). In S905, the document analysis process of FIG. 6 is performed.

  With the above configuration, for example, in a printing apparatus in which the operation mode is set to “automatic determination”, the cancellation of a job in which the number of output sheets is larger than when the operation mode is set to “valid” is automatically performed. It becomes possible to do.

<Third Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the number of output sheets is compared between when the operation mode is “automatic determination” and when the operation mode is “valid”, and the document data printing process is automatically stopped. However, instead of canceling the printing process, it may be desirable to perform output equivalent to the case where the operation mode is “valid”. Below, the main structures different from 2nd Embodiment are demonstrated.
The printing apparatus according to the present embodiment first compares the number of output sheets in the operation mode “automatic determination” and the operation mode “valid”. Further, when the number of output sheets in the operation mode “automatic determination” increases, the printing apparatus “cancels the job” and “analyzes the document according to the analysis result of the print attribute information attached to the document data”. It has a second operation mode that defines either. The value for identifying the second operation mode is a value indicating whether or not the job is permitted to be canceled, is set via the user interface unit 121, and is held in the storage device by the storage unit 122.

An example of a configuration for canceling printing of a print job will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart according to a part of the document analysis processing program.
First, the operation mode determination unit 127 determines the operation mode of the document analysis unit 125 (S1001). At this time, when the operation mode determination unit 127 determines that the operation mode of the document analysis unit 125 is “automatic determination”, the processing of S1002 is performed. On the other hand, when the operation mode determination unit 127 determines that the operation mode of the document analysis unit 125 is not “automatic determination”, the processing of S1007 is performed.

In step S1002, the document analysis unit 125 calculates the number of output sheets when the operation mode is “automatic determination” and the document data is analyzed, and calculates the number of output sheets when the operation mode is “valid” and the document data is analyzed. .
Subsequently, the document analysis unit 125 compares the number of output sheets calculated in S1002 (S1003). At this time, if the document analysis unit 125 determines that the number of output sheets when the document data is analyzed in the operation mode “automatic determination” is larger than the number of output sheets when the document data is analyzed in the operation mode “valid”, S1004 Is performed. On the other hand, if the document analysis unit 125 determines that the number of output sheets when the document data is analyzed in the operation mode “automatic determination” is less than or equal to the number of output sheets when the document data is analyzed in the operation mode “valid”, S1007 Is performed.

In step S <b> 1004, the operation mode determination unit 127 determines whether the second operation mode is “cancel job” with reference to a value for identifying the second operation mode. At this time, if the operation mode determination unit 127 determines that the second operation mode is “cancel job”, the processing of S1006 is performed. On the other hand, when the operation mode determination unit 127 determines that the second operation mode is not “cancel job”, the processing of S1005 is performed.
In step S <b> 1005, the document analysis unit 125 overwrites the corresponding print setting information with the print attribute information related to the output number of the print attribute information given to the analyzed document data. Further, the document analysis unit 125 analyzes document data other than print attributes based on the overwritten print setting information. In step S1006, the document analysis unit 125 interrupts the document analysis process for the print job and cancels the job. In S1007, the document analysis process of FIG. 6 is performed.

  With the above configuration, for example, in a printing apparatus in which the operation mode is set to “automatic determination”, an output equivalent to the other operation mode is output for a print job in which the operation mode is larger than that in the other operation mode. It becomes possible to automatically analyze the document data so that the number of sheets becomes the same.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the first to third embodiments, the print job is input to the printing apparatus via the LAN line 110. In this embodiment, however, the print job is operated by operating the operation panel of the printing apparatus. An example will be described in which is inserted.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same thing as the structure shown in FIG. 11, and the structure shown in FIG.

The printing apparatus 1100 includes a print job reception unit 1130, a job analysis unit 1140, an attribute determination unit 1160, and an external storage connection unit 1180. The print job receiving unit 1130 receives a print job transmitted from the host computer 100 and a print job input via the operation panel of the printing apparatus 1100. The job analysis unit 1140 analyzes the print job (job) received by the print job reception unit 1130. Further, the job analysis unit 1140 determines whether a print job is transmitted from the host computer 100 or input from the operation panel of the printing apparatus 1100.
The attribute determination unit 1160 uses the printing apparatus 120 to print the print attribute information included in the document data based on the print attribute information given to the document data included in the print job and the various parameters stored in the storage unit 122. It is determined whether or not processing is possible. Further, the attribute determination unit 1160 generates and displays a screen for inquiring the user about the handling of the print attribute information given to the document data according to the determination result of the job analysis unit 1140. The external storage connection unit 1180 connects an external storage device storing document data to the printing apparatus 1100.

  A print job job input from the operation panel of the printing apparatus 1100 is, for example, a job for printing document data stored in an external storage device that can be connected to the external storage connection unit 1180. A job for printing document data on another computer connected via the Internet or LAN, document data stored in a storage device built in the printing apparatus 1100, or the like may be used.

Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 1100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart according to the print processing program.
First, the print job receiving unit 1130 receives a print job (S1201). Subsequently, the job analysis unit 1140 analyzes the received print job. Since this process is the same as S204 in FIG. Subsequently, the job analysis unit 1140 determines whether the received print job is a print job transmitted from the host computer 100 via the network or a print job input from the operation panel of the printing apparatus 1100 ( S1202). At this time, if the job analysis unit 1140 determines that the print job is submitted via the network, the printing apparatus 1100 performs processing similar to the document analysis processing and print processing described in the first embodiment (FIG. 2). (S205, S206, etc.) are performed (S1203). On the other hand, when the job analysis unit 1140 determines that the print job is input from the operation panel of the printing apparatus 1100, the process of S1204 is performed.

In step S1204, the document analysis unit 125 analyzes print attribute information given to the document data of the input print job. Subsequently, the attribute determination unit 1160 determines whether all of the print attribute information added to the document data analyzed in S1204 is print attribute information that can be processed by the printing apparatus 1100 (S1205). At this time, if the attribute determination unit 1160 determines that part or all of the print attribute information given to the document data is not print attribute information that can be processed by the printing apparatus 1100, the attribute determination unit 1160 performs the process of S1206. On the other hand, when the attribute determination unit 1160 determines that all of the print attribute information added to the document data is print attribute information that can be processed by the printing apparatus 1100, the process of S1207 is performed.
In step S <b> 1206, the attribute determination unit 1160 displays a screen for inquiring whether to ignore the print attribute information given to the document data on the operation panel of the printing apparatus 1100. At this time, if “ignore print attribute information” is instructed via the operation panel, the process of S1208 is performed. On the other hand, if “ignore print attribute information” is not instructed, the process of S1207 is performed. Done.

In step S1207, the document analysis unit 125 updates the print setting information. More specifically, when it is determined that all the print attribute information given to the document data in S1205 is information that can be processed by the printing apparatus, the document analysis unit 125 gives the document data analyzed in S1204. The corresponding print setting information is overwritten with the printed print attribute information. If “ignore print attribute information” is not instructed in step S1206, the document analysis unit 125 uses the print attribute information attached to the analyzed document data that can be processed by the printing apparatus 1100 in step S1204, and prints corresponding to the print attribute information. Overwrite the setting information.
In step S1208, the document analysis unit 125 analyzes document data other than the print attribute based on the print setting information. If the user input is “ignore print attribute information” in S1206, the document analysis unit 125 ignores the print attribute information analyzed in S1204 and analyzes document data other than the print attributes. Then, the printing unit 128 performs a printing process based on the analysis result of the document analysis unit 125 and various parameters stored in the storage unit 122 (S1209).

  With the above configuration, the printing apparatus is a print job submitted via the operation panel, and is attached to the document data only when the printing attribute information attached to the document data cannot be processed by the printing apparatus. It is possible to inquire the user about the handling of print attribute information.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

  According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to more appropriately generate an image of document data related to an output result while improving user convenience.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

Claims (6)

Determining means for analyzing attribute information indicating an attribute of the image forming apparatus associated with the document data and determining whether or not attribute information of an attribute not corresponding to the image forming apparatus is included;
When it is determined that attribute information of an attribute that does not correspond to the image forming apparatus is not included, default attribute information stored in a storage device used for generating an image in the image forming apparatus is used as the document. Updating with attribute information associated with the data, and if it is determined that attribute information of an attribute not corresponding to the image forming apparatus is included, an update unit that does not update the default attribute information;
Generating means for generating an image of the document data in accordance with attribute information stored in the storage device;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Of the attribute information associated with the document data, the number of output of the recording medium is calculated based on the attribute information of the attribute related to the number of recording media on which the image generated by the generating unit is recorded. And calculating means for calculating the number of output of the recording medium based on the attribute information of the attribute related to the number of the recording medium of the default attribute information,
Canceling means for canceling the job of the document data when the number of the recording media calculated based on the attribute information of the document data is larger than the number of the recording media calculated based on the default attribute information When,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The canceling unit cancels the job when the number of the recording media calculated based on the attribute information of the document data is larger than the number of the recording media calculated based on the default attribute information. When the value stored in the storage device indicating whether or not to permit is read, and when it is determined that the read value is a value indicating that the job is allowed to be canceled, the job is canceled,
When the canceling unit determines that the value is not a value indicating that the job is allowed to be canceled, the determination unit includes an attribute information relating to the number of the recording media in the attribute information associated with the document data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein attribute information of an attribute relating to the number of the recording media among the default attribute information is updated with the attribute information. The determination means further determines whether or not the document data is input via an input device;
The update unit updates the default attribute information when it is determined that the document data is input via the input device and includes attribute information of an attribute that does not correspond to the image forming apparatus. An attribute corresponding to the image forming apparatus among the attribute information associated with the document data when it is determined that the instruction is to update the default attribute information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the default attribute information is updated with respect to the attribute information. A determination step of analyzing attribute information indicating an attribute of the image forming apparatus associated with the document data and determining whether or not attribute information of an attribute not corresponding to the image forming apparatus is included;
When it is determined that attribute information of an attribute that does not correspond to the image forming apparatus is not included, default attribute information stored in a storage device used for generating an image in the image forming apparatus is used as the document. An update process that updates the attribute information associated with the data and does not update the default attribute information when it is determined that attribute information of an attribute that does not correspond to the image forming apparatus is included;
Generating the document data according to the attribute information stored in the storage device;
An image forming method comprising: Computer
Determining means for analyzing attribute information indicating an attribute of the image forming apparatus associated with the document data and determining whether or not attribute information of an attribute not corresponding to the image forming apparatus is included;
When it is determined that attribute information of an attribute that does not correspond to the image forming apparatus is not included, default attribute information stored in a storage device used for generating an image in the image forming apparatus is used as the document. Updating with attribute information associated with the data, and if it is determined that attribute information of an attribute not corresponding to the image forming apparatus is included, an update unit that does not update the default attribute information;
Generating means for generating an image of the document data in accordance with attribute information stored in the storage device;
Program to make it work.

Images